Headspace Analysis (HSA)
Understanding Headspace Analysis
Headspace analysis (HSA), also known as headspace gas analysis (HGA), is a precise technique for measuring the gas composition in the sealed space of a container, known as the headspace. Which refers to the space between the product (such as a pharmaceutical compound or food item) and the closure or seal of the container, or in simpler terms the empty space within the container.
Many pharmaceutical and food products are packaged in controlled or modified atmospheres to protect their integrity and shelf life. Exposure to oxygen, moisture or other environmental elements can compromise product stability, potency, and safety. Headspace analysis enables manufacturers to assess whether these protective atmospheres are effectively maintained.
What Does Headspace Analysis Involve?
At Gasporox, our headspace analysis systems utilise advanced, laser-based non-destructive technology to accurately measure critical gas parameters inside sealed containers. This fully automated method delivers precise, real-time data without altering or compromising the container or its contents.
Headspace analysis can detect and measure:
- Oxygen concentration (O₂)
- Carbon dioxide levels (CO₂)
- Residual moisture (H₂O)
- Absolute internal pressure
These parameters are essential for confirming packaging integrity and ensuring the sterility and stability of sensitive or sterile products throughout their shelf life.
Applications Across Industries and Packaging Formats
Headspace analysis plays a vital role in quality control for industries where product protection is crucial. Common applications include:
- Pharmaceuticals – such as vials, ampoules, and pre-filled syringes
- Food and beverage – especially modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
- Biotech and diagnostics – for sterile and lyophilised products
The method is compatible with various container types, such as:
- Glass – tubular, moulded, amber, or clear
- Plastic – rigid or flexible containers
- Sterile containers – used in aseptic manufacturing environments
How does it work?
Headspace analysis relies on laser-based optical spectroscopy to identify and quantify gases within sealed containers. The underlying principle is Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), a highly sensitive and selective technique for gas detection.
In TDLAS, laser diodes are finely tuned to the specific absorption wavelength of the target gas molecule. As the laser passes through the headspace, molecules such as oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), or water vapour (H₂O) absorb portions of the light. The system then measures the reduction in light intensity, which directly correlates to the gas concentration.
This non-invasive, non-destructive technique allows for fast, accurate analysis of the headspace environment; without compromising the packaging or its contents.
Do you need headspace analysis in your quality control or production process?
Why Choose Gasporox for Headspace Analysis?
Gasporox is a leader in laser-based inspection systems for non-invasive, non-destructive package integrity testing. Our headspace analysis technology provides unmatched precision, speed, and reliability, helping manufacturers ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and process efficiency without sacrificing throughput, available as at-line or in-line solutions.